Marshall defensive lineman Larry Aaron, 19, died Thursday from a gunshot wound he suffered on New Year's Eve. The school announced Aaron's passing in a release.

"Marshall University lost a very special young man today, and it has shocked and saddened us all," Marshall coach Doc Holliday said in the statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Larry Aaron's family and friends, many of whom were his fellow Thundering Herd teammates. His loss will be felt in every corner of our program, and his spirit will never be forgotten."

Aaron was shot while at a New Year's Eve party in Severn, Maryland. He was reportedly standing by a wall when an altercation nearby broke out, resulting in gunfire. Aaron was wounded by the gunfire while attempting to shield his girlfriend and was initially paralyzed by the gunshot.

"It is in his spine, and he has no feeling in his legs," Aaron's mother told the Herald-Dispatch at the time. "They can't remove it because they are afraid it could be dangerous and hinder him, even more, to do so. It is right in the middle of his spine."

The school will hold a fundraiser in Aaron's memory at its men's basketball game on Saturday evening, selling "93strong" t-shirts for $20.